There are times in every person's life where a deep internal searching is needed with the aim of transformation. It is called "re-inventing yourself."

A transformation in business and in your personal life may be needed. Are you experiencing a life-defining moment? It is important to distinguish between a "short-term itch" and a true desire to make overall changes that will affect not only yourself but also family members, friends and business colleagues.

How can you know when re-invention is needed? There are many circumstances that may necessitate making a change in your life. Some of them include the time following a significant loss or drastic changes in your life, such as retirement, empty nest, loss of job, death of spouse, relocation or transfer, major change in financial status, disinterest in your job, addiction, constant dreaming of a different life, wondering about "what if" in the past, falling back into bad habits you know aren't good for you, having "out of mind or body" interactions, losing sight of your goals, forgetting what is really important in life, giving up on important things in life, feelings of insignificance and experiencing any kind of hardship in life.

We all evolve. Recognize the absoluteness and necessity of change in all areas of life. Life is about mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth. A need for acceleration may require reinvention. When you determine to reinvent yourself there are choices to be made to guide you through the transformative journey. Here are some steps you can take for a successful outcome:

1. Get up early to start the day fresh by getting enough sleep.

2. Prioritize tasks to be completed.

3. Associate with positive-thinking people.

4. Find a mentor.

5. Don't be afraid to experiment.

6. Enhance your knowledge.

7. Be honest with yourself and others.

8. Don't allow others to deter you.

9. Get out of your comfort zone.

10. Make a budget and stick with it.

11. Make new friends.

12. Dedicate your energy to things you are passionate about.

13. Take life one day at a time, by making steps one at a time.

14. Accept failures and learn from them.

15. Don't feel like you have to justify all your actions to others.

16. Build a strong support group.

17. Find your purpose.

18. Answer the question "do you really want to change?"

Major life changes are never easy. Your instincts and the urgent matters of life can work against you. When you learn to focus on your future self, you'll be surprised what you can achieve. It is a natural tendency to spend your energy on immediate concerns even if you are future focused. A clear assessment of the present and your future will provide for a more effective approach to goal setting and the pursuing and achieving of goals.

In order that you not wind up with a future you don't want, planning and focusing on changes, regardless of your age or position, are needed. If you continue to do things like you have always done them, you will continue to get the same results you have always gotten. No one wants a future in which you are sick, broke, lonely or simply unfulfilled.

Be a dreamer. Seek a life full of joy and happiness. It can be found and will produce positive results, but won't be accomplished in a day, a week or even a year or longer. You can regain a meaningful life and succeed personally and professionally. Set realistic goals and take meaningful actions. Ensure your goals match your values. They should be for the right reasons. Take stock of your progress along the way. Don't say you don't like change. Think about all the positive changes that have made your life better through the years.

Change means reinvention. When you use the tools to facilitate positive change you'll be on your way to a "reinvented you".

"You're never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream." — C. S. Lewis